Is RYSE Protein Safe? Clean Label Certified But Not Consumer Reports Tested (2026 Update)
✅ Direct Answer: Is RYSE Protein Safe?
Yes, with a note on verification: RYSE Loaded Protein holds a Clean Label Project "Clean 16" Purity Award with non-detectable heavy metals. However, it has not been independently tested by Consumer Reports. Verified alternatives like Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard offer comparable safety at a lower price.
How We Analyzed RYSE Protein
Independent Data Source: 2025/2026 Testing Data from Consumer Reports & Clean Label Project
Our 4-Step Safety Protocol:
- Source: We aggregate verified data from third-party labs (Consumer Reports, Clean Label Project, NSF).
- Benchmark: Contamination is measured against California Prop 65 safe harbor levels (0.5 µg/day lead).
- Categorize: Products are ranked as Safe, Limit Use, or Avoid based on toxic accumulation.
- Recommend: If a brand fails, we provide verified-clean alternatives that fit your budget.
✓ 100% Independent: Clean Protein List accepts no brand sponsorships or payments for rankings.
Analysis verified by US Military Veteran & Supplement Safety Researcher, Ray Rothwell.
✅ RYSE IS CLEAN LABEL PROJECT VERIFIED SAFE
- ✅ Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certified (non-detectable heavy metals)
- ✅ Third-party verified safe for lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury
- ✅ One of only 16 proteins with Clean Label certification
- ❌ NOT tested by Consumer Reports (different testing organization)
- 💰 Costs $1.50-1.80/serving (premium pricing for TikTok viral brand)
Quick Answer: Is RYSE Protein Safe?
Yes. RYSE Loaded Protein is verified safe by Clean Label Project with non-detectable heavy metal levels.
What we know:
- ✅ RYSE has Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certification (independent third-party testing)
- ✅ Non-detectable levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, BPA, and pesticides
- ❌ NOT tested by Consumer Reports (viral brand didn't make their selection of 28 proteins)
- 💰 RYSE costs $1.50-1.80/serving (2-2.4x more than verified-safe alternatives)
- 🎯 TikTok viral brand with strong Gen Z following
Bottom line: RYSE is verified safe for daily use through Clean Label certification. Consumer Reports testing would provide additional validation, but Clean Label alone confirms safety. The question isn't "is RYSE safe?" (it is), but "is RYSE worth the premium over other Clean Label certified proteins?"
RYSE Loaded Protein: Safety Status
Clean Label Project Certification: What It Means
RYSE has Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certification - one of only 16 protein powders to achieve this status.
🔬 What Clean Label Project Tests
Clean Label Project is an independent nonprofit that tests consumer products for contaminants.
Testing methodology:
- ✅ Heavy metals: Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury
- ✅ Industrial toxins: BPA, BPS
- ✅ Pesticides: 130+ agricultural chemicals
- ✅ Plasticizers: Phthalates
- ✅ Independent testing: Third-party laboratories, no manufacturer involvement
"Clean 16" threshold:
- Non-detectable or extremely low levels of all tested contaminants
- Must pass screening for 200+ industrial and environmental chemicals
- Periodic re-testing to maintain certification
How Clean Label Compares to Consumer Reports
| Testing Organization | Heavy Metal Testing | Safe Limit Standard | Public Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clean Label Project | ✅ Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury + 200+ chemicals | "Non-detectable" or extremely low | Product list only (no specific µg levels published) |
| Consumer Reports | ✅ Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury | California Prop 65 limits (0.5 µg/day lead) | ✅ Full µg levels published for all 28 products |
Key differences:
- Clean Label: Binary pass/fail (Clean 16 vs not certified), broader chemical testing (200+ compounds)
- Consumer Reports: Granular ranking (#1-28), specific contamination levels published, transparency about "how much" over limits
- Both are legitimate: Clean Label certification alone confirms safety for daily use
RYSE Loaded Protein: Complete Safety Profile
RYSE Loaded Protein
Clean Label Status: ✅ "Clean 16" certified
Heavy Metal Levels: Non-detectable (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury)
Consumer Reports Status: Not tested (viral brand, smaller market share)
Safe consumption: Unlimited - Clean Label certification confirms daily use safety
Type: Whey protein isolate + concentrate blend
Protein per serving: 25g
Price: $1.50-1.80/serving
Target market: Gen Z, TikTok viral, influencer-driven
Safety verdict: RYSE is verified safe through Clean Label certification. The premium pricing ($1.50-1.80 vs $0.67-0.75 for other Clean Label proteins) reflects brand positioning and viral marketing, not superior safety.
RYSE vs Other Clean Label Certified Proteins
RYSE is one of 16 proteins with Clean Label "Clean 16" certification. Here's how it compares to other verified-safe options:
| Product | Price/Serving | Clean Label? | Consumer Reports? | Double Verified? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fortress | $0.67 (cheapest) | ✅ Clean 16 | ✅ NOT tested (but CL verified) | Clean Label only |
| ON Gold Standard | $0.75 | ✅ Clean 16 | ✅ #5 of 28 | BOTH ✅✅ |
| RYSE Loaded Protein | $1.50-1.80 | ✅ Clean 16 | ❌ NOT tested | Clean Label only |
| Isopure Zero Carb | $1.50-2.00 | ✅ Clean 16 | ❌ NOT tested | Clean Label only |
| Dymatize ISO 100 | $1.00-1.30 | ❌ NOT Clean 16 | ✅ #2 of 28 | Consumer Reports only |
| Momentous Isolate | $2.00-2.50 | ❌ NOT Clean 16 | ✅ #3 of 28 | Consumer Reports only |
Key findings:
- Only 2 proteins have BOTH Clean Label + Consumer Reports verification: ON Gold Standard and Body Fortress (in different testing rounds)
- RYSE costs 2-2.4x more than Body Fortress ($1.50-1.80 vs $0.67) despite same Clean Label certification
- ON Gold Standard costs 50-58% less than RYSE ($0.75 vs $1.50-1.80) and has double verification
- Clean Label certification alone confirms safety - RYSE, Body Fortress, Isopure, ON all verified safe
💡 Want Double Verification (Clean Label + Consumer Reports)?
ON Gold Standard has BOTH Clean Label certification AND Consumer Reports #5 ranking, costs $0.75/serving (50-58% less than RYSE).
See ON Gold Standard Analysis →Is Clean Label Certification Enough?
The question isn't whether RYSE is safe (it is), but whether you need both Clean Label AND Consumer Reports verification.
Arguments FOR "Clean Label Alone Is Enough"
✅ Clean Label tests the same heavy metals as Consumer Reports
- Lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury all tested
- Plus 200+ additional chemicals Consumer Reports doesn't test
- "Non-detectable" threshold is even stricter than California's limits
✅ Independent third-party testing
- Clean Label is nonprofit (no profit motive to pass products)
- Uses independent laboratories
- Manufacturers cannot influence results
✅ Only 16 proteins achieve "Clean 16" status
- Out of 130+ proteins tested by Clean Label
- Shows RYSE passed rigorous screening
- Most proteins fail to achieve certification
✅ RYSE is verified safe for daily use based on Clean Label alone
Arguments FOR "Consumer Reports Adds Value"
⚠️ Consumer Reports provides granular contamination levels
- Clean Label: Binary pass/fail ("Clean 16" vs not certified)
- Consumer Reports: Exact µg lead per serving published
- Transparency about "how clean" each product is
⚠️ Consumer Reports ranks proteins #1-28
- Allows comparison: MuscleTech #1 (lead not detected) vs ON #5 (56% over but safe)
- Clean Label doesn't rank within "Clean 16" tier
- Some consumers want to know if they're getting #1 safest vs #16 safest
⚠️ Double verification = added confidence
- Two independent organizations confirming safety
- Different testing methodologies cross-validate results
- Only ON Gold Standard and Body Fortress have both
⚠️ Consumer Reports is more widely recognized
- 87-year track record vs Clean Label's 7 years
- Government and regulatory agencies reference CR testing
- Media coverage drives mainstream awareness
Our Take: Clean Label IS Sufficient, But...
Clean Label certification alone confirms RYSE is safe for daily use. However:
- If you're paying premium pricing ($1.50-1.80), double verification (CL + CR) offers better value - ON Gold Standard costs $0.75 with both
- If budget matters, Body Fortress ($0.67) has same Clean Label certification as RYSE for 63% less
- If you want most transparent testing, Consumer Reports publishes exact contamination levels - Clean Label doesn't
RYSE's Premium Pricing: What Are You Paying For?
💰 RYSE Loaded Protein: $1.50-1.80/serving
What the premium buys you:
- ✅ Clean Label "Clean 16" certification (non-detectable heavy metals)
- ✅ TikTok viral brand with strong Gen Z community
- ✅ Influencer partnerships and social proof
- ✅ Premium packaging and branding
- ✅ Trending flavors (Cinnamon Toast, Fruity Cereal, etc.)
- ✅ Active social media engagement
What the premium does NOT buy you:
- ❌ Superior safety vs other Clean Label proteins (Body Fortress has same certification at $0.67)
- ❌ Consumer Reports verification (not tested)
- ❌ Double verification (only CL, not CL + CR like ON has)
- ❌ More protein per serving (25g vs 24-30g in alternatives)
You're paying $1.50-1.80/serving for brand/community, NOT superior safety verification.
Monthly Cost Comparison (Clean Label Certified Proteins)
| Product | Daily Cost | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Body Fortress | $0.67 | $20 | $240 | Clean Label only |
| ON Gold Standard | $0.75 | $23 | $276 | Clean Label + CR #5 |
| RYSE Loaded Protein | $1.50-1.80 | $45-54 | $540-648 | Clean Label only |
| Isopure Zero Carb | $1.50-2.00 | $45-60 | $540-720 | Clean Label only |
Annual savings by switching from RYSE:
- Body Fortress: Save $300-408/year (same Clean Label certification, 63% cheaper)
- ON Gold Standard: Save $264-372/year (double verification: Clean Label + CR #5, 50-58% cheaper)
Should You Buy RYSE Protein Powder?
✅ Buy RYSE If:
- You're part of the RYSE community: Value the brand, TikTok presence, influencer partnerships
- You want verified safety: Clean Label certification confirms non-detectable heavy metals
- You prefer trending flavors: Cinnamon Toast, Fruity Cereal appeal to you
- Social proof matters: Want protein your fitness friends/influencers use
- Price isn't primary concern: $1.50-1.80/serving fits your budget
RYSE is verified safe through Clean Label certification. If you love the brand and community, the premium is worth it for you.
💰 Choose Alternatives If:
- Budget matters: Body Fortress has same Clean Label cert at $0.67/serving (save $300-408/year)
- You want double verification: ON Gold Standard has Clean Label + Consumer Reports #5 at $0.75/serving
- You want Consumer Reports transparency: Dymatize ISO 100 (#2), Momentous (#3) publish exact contamination levels
- Brand doesn't matter: You just want verified-safe protein at best price
✅ Verified-Safe Alternatives to RYSE
Optimum Nutrition Gold Standard 100% Whey
Why choose ON over RYSE:
- Clean Label "Clean 16" certified (same as RYSE)
- Consumer Reports #5 of 28 (additional verification RYSE lacks)
- 50-58% cheaper than RYSE ($0.75 vs $1.50-1.80/serving)
- Save $264-372/year vs RYSE
- World's #1 selling protein for 20+ years
- Only protein with BOTH Clean Label + Consumer Reports verification at budget pricing
Price: $0.75/serving
Safety: Clean Label certified + Consumer Reports #5
Body Fortress Super Advanced Whey
Why choose Body Fortress over RYSE:
- Clean Label "Clean 16" certified (same as RYSE)
- 63% cheaper than RYSE ($0.67 vs $1.50-1.80/serving)
- Save $300-408/year vs RYSE
- Available at Walmart (convenient)
- Proves you don't need premium pricing for verified safety
Price: $0.67/serving
Safety: Clean Label "Clean 16" certified
Dymatize ISO 100 Hydrolyzed Whey Isolate
Why choose Dymatize over RYSE:
- Consumer Reports #2 safest (25% over limit, safe 4x daily)
- Informed Choice certified (batch tested for banned substances)
- 33-50% cheaper than RYSE ($1.00-1.30 vs $1.50-1.80/serving)
- Save $180-252/year vs RYSE
- 100% hydrolyzed whey isolate (faster absorption)
- Second-safest protein tested by Consumer Reports
Price: $1.00-1.30/serving
Safety: Consumer Reports #2 + Informed Choice certified
Real User Questions About RYSE Safety
Q: Is RYSE protein powder safe for lead?
A: Yes - RYSE Loaded Protein is Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certified with non-detectable levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, BPA, and pesticides. This is independent third-party verification confirming RYSE is safe for daily use. RYSE wasn't tested by Consumer Reports, but Clean Label certification alone confirms safety.
Q: Does RYSE protein have third-party testing?
A: Yes - RYSE has Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certification, which is independent third-party testing for heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury), BPA, pesticides, and 200+ industrial chemicals. Only 16 proteins out of 130+ tested by Clean Label achieve "Clean 16" status. RYSE was not tested by Consumer Reports, but Clean Label provides comprehensive third-party verification.
Q: Is Clean Label certification enough, or do I need Consumer Reports testing too?
A: Clean Label alone is sufficient for safety verification - it tests for the same heavy metals as Consumer Reports (lead, arsenic, cadmium, mercury) plus 200+ additional chemicals. Consumer Reports provides additional validation and transparency (exact µg levels published). Only 2 proteins have both certifications: ON Gold Standard ($0.75/serving) and Body Fortress ($0.67/serving). RYSE's Clean Label certification confirms it's safe for daily use without Consumer Reports testing.
Q: Why is RYSE so much more expensive than other Clean Label certified proteins?
A: RYSE costs $1.50-1.80/serving vs Body Fortress ($0.67, same Clean Label cert) or ON Gold Standard ($0.75, Clean Label + Consumer Reports #5). The premium reflects TikTok viral marketing, influencer partnerships, trendy flavors, and Gen Z brand positioning - NOT superior safety. All three have Clean Label "Clean 16" certification with non-detectable heavy metals. RYSE's premium buys community/brand, not better verification.
Q: Did Consumer Reports test RYSE protein?
A: No. Consumer Reports tested 28 protein powders (October 2025 + January 2026) but did not test RYSE. Consumer Reports selects products based on market share and mainstream popularity. RYSE is a viral TikTok brand with strong Gen Z following but smaller overall market share compared to established brands like ON Gold Standard, MuscleTech, or Premier Protein. RYSE has Clean Label certification which provides independent verification even without Consumer Reports testing.
Q: Is RYSE better than ON Gold Standard?
A: For safety: No - ON has Clean Label cert (same as RYSE) PLUS Consumer Reports #5 verification (double verification RYSE lacks). For price: No - ON costs $0.75 vs RYSE $1.50-1.80 (50-58% cheaper). For brand/community: Depends - RYSE has stronger TikTok presence and Gen Z appeal; ON is mainstream #1 seller. For flavors: RYSE has trendier options (Cinnamon Toast, Fruity Cereal). Both are verified safe through Clean Label, but ON offers better value with double verification at lower price.
Q: Can I trust RYSE even though Consumer Reports didn't test it?
A: Yes - Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certification is legitimate independent third-party testing. Clean Label is a nonprofit consumer advocacy organization that has tested 130+ protein powders, and only 16 achieved "Clean 16" status. RYSE passing this rigorous screening confirms safety for daily use. Consumer Reports testing would provide additional validation, but it's not required when Clean Label certification exists.
Q: What's the difference between RYSE and Body Fortress if both have Clean Label?
A: Safety: Identical - both have Clean Label "Clean 16" certification with non-detectable heavy metals. Price: Body Fortress $0.67/serving (63% cheaper than RYSE's $1.50-1.80). Brand: RYSE is TikTok viral/Gen Z focused, Body Fortress is Walmart budget brand. Flavors: RYSE has trendier options. Quality: Both verified safe, protein content similar (25g RYSE vs 25g Body Fortress). The $0.83-1.13/serving difference ($300-408/year) buys RYSE's brand/community, not better safety.
Q: Is RYSE safe for daily use?
A: Yes - Clean Label "Clean 16" certification confirms RYSE has non-detectable levels of lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury, making it safe for daily consumption. No frequency restrictions needed. Clean Label's "non-detectable" threshold is stricter than California's safe daily limits, so RYSE can be used unlimited times per day from a heavy metal safety perspective.
Q: Should I switch from RYSE to a cheaper Clean Label protein?
A: Depends on priorities. If budget matters and you don't care about brand: Yes - Body Fortress ($0.67) or ON Gold Standard ($0.75) have same/better verification for 50-63% less (save $264-408/year). If you value RYSE's community, TikTok presence, influencer partnerships, and trending flavors: No - the premium is worth it for brand experience. All three are verified safe through Clean Label, so it's a value vs brand preference decision, not a safety decision.
The Bottom Line: Should You Buy RYSE?
RYSE Loaded Protein: Final Verdict
RYSE is verified safe through Clean Label Project "Clean 16" certification. The question is value, not safety.
| Factor | RYSE Status |
|---|---|
| Clean Label Certification | ✅ "Clean 16" certified |
| Consumer Reports Testing | ❌ NOT tested (but CL verified) |
| Heavy Metal Levels | ✅ Non-detectable |
| Safe for Daily Use? | ✅ YES (Clean Label confirmed) |
| Price | $1.50-1.80/serving (premium) |
| Brand/Community | ✅ Strong TikTok/Gen Z presence |
| Value vs Alternatives | ⚠️ 2-2.4x more than other Clean Label proteins |
Our Recommendation
✅ RYSE Is Verified Safe - But Consider Value
If you love RYSE: It's Clean Label certified safe. Buy it with confidence.
If you want best value:
- ON Gold Standard ($0.75): Clean Label + Consumer Reports #5 (double verified), save $264-372/year
- Body Fortress ($0.67): Same Clean Label cert as RYSE, save $300-408/year
- Dymatize ISO 100 ($1.00-1.30): Consumer Reports #2 + Informed Choice, save $180-252/year
All four are verified safe. The difference is price and verification depth, not safety.
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- Clean Label Project: Protein Powder "Clean 16" Certification Database
- Consumer Reports: "Protein Powders and Shakes Contain High Levels of Lead" (October 14, 2025)
- Consumer Reports: "5 More Protein Powders Tested" (January 8, 2026)
- Amazon: User reviews (RYSE: 5,000+ reviews, 4.5/5 stars)